About the VCU MBA
The VCU MBA curriculum is undergoing dramatic development as a key element in the School of Business' strategic plan to become nationally recognized as the leading technologically focused business school in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Reflecting the indispensable roles emerging for information technology across the functional areas of all business enterprises, the VCU MBA curriculum helps students achieve the skills necessary to manage constantly changing technology-based environments.
The VCU MBA provides a balance of business theory and practical applications. Through a variety of instructional methods, including case studies, students learn to solve problems, make decisions, communicate effectively, work in teams and exercise leadership. In short, students acquire the skills and knowledge needed to lead complex business organizations, and they become well-prepared for the responsibilities and rigors of management.
This program is recommended for individuals with any undergraduate major, who are seeking a thorough understanding of the functional interrelationships in successful business organizations.
Students may choose a general course of study or specialize in one or more of the following concentration areas:
- Decision Sciences
- Economics
- Finance
- Human Resource Management and Industrial Relations
- Information Systems
- Marketing
- Real Estate and Urban Land Development
Initial Requirements
- Computer proficiency requirements - Students are expected to enter the program with basic computing proficiency. Students who have not had previous experience with basic computing will be expected to complete a series of tutorials provided when they enter the MBA program.
- Calculus - A course in calculus is a prerequisite for the MBA. This prerequisite may be waived for students who present satisfactory equivalent preparation. Applicants who have not met this prerequisite may take the course after admission.
Traditional Program Curriculum
The VCU MBA curriculum contains 19 courses, or 57 credit hours, and is divided into three categories: foundation courses, advanced program courses, and electives.
Foundation Courses
Each student must complete seven foundation courses. These courses may be waived for students who have taken the equivalent material at the undergraduate level in the past five years with a grade of "B" or better. If foundation courses are not waived at the time of admission, the student must take the graduate-level version of the course.
Foundation Courses |
Credits |
||
ACCT 507 |
Fundamentals of Accounting |
3 hours |
|
ECON 500 |
Concepts in Economics |
3 hours |
|
FIRE 520 |
Financial Concepts of Management |
3 hours |
|
MGMT 524 |
Statistical Elements of Quantitative Management |
3 hours |
|
MGMT 530 |
Fundamentals of the Legal Environment of Business |
3 hours |
|
MGMT 540 |
Management Theory and Practice |
3 hours |
|
MKTG 570 |
Concepts and Issues in Marketing |
3 hours |
|
|
Total Foundation Credits: |
|
21 hours |
Advanced Program Courses
After a student has complete all required foundation courses, he or she will begin the advanced portion of the program with two semesters of cohort study. Full-time students may enroll for more than the two required cohort courses in each semester. Part-time students must take at least the two required cohort courses in each of the first two semesters, and then must complete at least one graduate course each academic year.
What is a cohort? The cohort structure was designed to provide students with an opportunity to begin study in the advanced program with their fellow students in a group format. Students in the cohort will take the first semester courses together and in the following semester will complete a third course together. This structure allows students to form relationships that will assist them throughout their MBA program and even into the post-MBA careers.
First Semester of Required Cohort Classes |
Credits |
||
ECON 610 |
Managerial Economics |
3 hours |
|
MGMT 641 |
Organizational Leadership and Project Team Management |
3 hours |
|
|
Cohort I Credits: |
|
6 hours |
Second Semester of Required Cohort Classes |
|||
MGMT 675 |
Operations Management |
3 hours |
|
and one of the following... |
|
||
INFO 661 |
Information Systems for Managers |
3 hours |
|
MKTG 671 |
Marketing Management | 3 hours | |
|
Cohort II Credits: |
|
6 hours |
Remaining Advanced Program Courses (if not completed in 2nd semester) |
|||
ACCT 608 |
Managerial Accounting Concepts | 3 hours | |
FIRE 621 |
Cases in Financial Management | 3 hours | |
INFO 661 |
Information Systems for Managers | 3 hours | |
INFO 664 |
Emerging Issues in Information Technology | 3 hours | |
MKTG 671 |
Marketing Management | 3 hours | |
MGMT 642 |
Business Policy (to be taken in last semester of study) | 3 hours | |
|
Advanced Core Credits: |
|
15 hours |
Electives-- 9 credit hours
Each student will complete three electives at the 600 level. Students may establish a concentration by taking all electives in a single area. The Graduate Studies in Business Office maintains current lists of approved electives for each concentration and for the general program.
|
Elective Credits: |
|
9 hours |
Timeline
Students may enroll full or part time. Classes are typically offered one evening per week (Monday through Thursday) from 7 to 9:40pm. The degree must be completed within six years of the time of admission to the program; however, the typical student takes less time.
Master of Business Administration Approved Program Form
Master of Business Administration Course Descriptions